Functional biodiversity of fungi in larch (Larix leptolepis) forests needle-litter decomposition was examined by a pure-culture test.
Weight loss of larch-needle litter, utilization pattern of
lignocellulose and chemical composition of remaining litter were investigated and compared for 31 isolates in 27 species of basidiomycetes and ascomycetes.
Weight loss (% original weight) of litter ranged from -2.0% to 14.2%. Mean
weight loss of litter caused by the basidiomycetes was not significantly different from that caused by the ascomycetes. Basidiomycetes caused loss of
lignin and
carbohydrates in variable proportions, while ascomycetes exclusively attacked
carbohydrates without delignification. The content of
lignin and
nitrogen in remaining litter was not significantly correlated when both basidiomycetes and ascomycetes were included. However, the correlation coefficient was significant when the relationship was examined separately for basidiomycetes, indicating that the degree of selective delignification determined the final
nitrogen content in litter. Possible effects of fungal colonization on needle-litter decomposition in larch forests are discussed.